I just picked up my 3412 from Comcast last night and the only included literature from Comcast was about the set-up of the unit (wiring, etc..) and the DVR functions. There was no mention of how the silver remote could be programmed with a code to run my Samsung HD-ready set (power and volume are what I'm looking for primarily).

I did a search of this forum, but couldn't find any specific detail. Can anyone assist? Is this remote capable, and if so, where will I find codes for Samsung televisions? Also checked the Comcast site - no info.

http://www.scan-pa.com/AVS/

look in the Cable Remote Files Folder

The PDF file you want to download is A41-URC-10671068-remote-codes.pdf

I just picked up my 3412 from Comcast last night and the only included literature from Comcast was about the set-up of the unit (wiring, etc..) and the DVR functions. There was no mention of how the silver remote could be programmed with a code to run my Samsung HD-ready set (power and volume are what I'm looking for primarily).

I did a search of this forum, but couldn't find any specific detail. Can anyone assist? Is this remote capable, and if so, where will I find codes for Samsung televisions? Also checked the Comcast site - no info.
And don't forget to check out the 6412 wiki page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412)! Most, if not all, of the info will apply.

Stupid question... Are these 6 pin or 9 pin ports???

Thanx...
-Remo

2-IEEE 1394 port's
1394b (9-pin) on consumer electronics? I don't think that's happened yet. It's 6-pin.

Just got my Comcast 3412 (times two) installed and I'm still working through the setup and differences between this PVR and my TiVo.

Has anyone had success setting up the 3-device remote with an Infocus 4805? I just want power "all on" for the 3412 and PJ.

Just got my Comcast 3412 (times two) installed and I'm still working through the setup and differences between this PVR and my TiVo.

Has anyone had success setting up the 3-device remote with an Infocus 4805? I just want power "all on" for the 3412 and PJ.

After a quick google search I was unable to find a working code.

Also

To avoid problem's Always leave the DCT-3412 STB ON! The STB is always on anyways unless you unplug it. Setting the box to standby/off only shuts down the a/v outputs anyway and causes some random problems upon return to wake mode....

Is there any way to program the 3412 silver remote to leave the STB on? Can you use the "All On" button for just the TV & not the 3412? Using TV, power, will be a problem in this house.

After a quick google search I was unable to find a working code.

Also

To avoid problem's Always leave the DCT-3412 STB ON! The STB is always on anyways unless you unplug it. Setting the box to standby/off only shuts down the a/v outputs anyway and causes some random problems upon return to wake mode....
Who actually manufactures the remote? Perhaps I could work that angle directly.

Who actually manufactures the remote? Perhaps I could work that angle directly.


URC inc.

http://www.universalremote.com/index.html

However this no info on this device on there website.

URC inc.

http://www.universalremote.com/index.html

However this no info on this device on there website.
I located a pdf file which lists "Keycode Definitions for Infocus 4805". The code for power toggle is 0x17 (that's a zero.) Does this make any sense from a programming the silver remote sense?

I located a pdf file which lists "Keycode Definitions for Infocus 4805". The code for power toggle is 0x17 (that's a zero.) Does this make any sense from a programming the silver remote sense?

That is usually a hexadecimal notation (base 16) so I'd guess that the code is 23 (023?) decimal.

cB

I am trying to determine the best place to position my 3412 behind glass doors that have vertical stiles. Does anyone know where the infrared port is located on the front of the receiver, so that I can position it right or left of the stiles. I've tried various positions, but it is not obvious where it is receiving the best signal.

Thanks.

I am trying to determine the best place to position my 3412 behind glass doors that have vertical stiles. Does anyone know where the infrared port is located on the front of the receiver, so that I can position it right or left of the stiles. I've tried various positions, but it is not obvious where it is receiving the best signal.

Thanks.

If you get up close to the unit, and look closely at where the display is with the numbers and lights for power/rec/message, etc. You should be able to see it. It's a small dark dot.

I am trying to determine the best place to position my 3412 behind glass doors that have vertical stiles. Does anyone know where the infrared port is located on the front of the receiver, so that I can position it right or left of the stiles. I've tried various positions, but it is not obvious where it is receiving the best signal.

Thanks.

You should not put the DCT 3412 STB inside a Enclosure. (unless you have a cooling system in there.) The Motorola DCT series STB produce a LOT of Heat and requires a min. of 2 inches on all sides. You should have got a warning notice about where you can place the STB. It recomends you keep it out in the open.

If you get up close to the unit, and look closely at where the display is with the numbers and lights for power/rec/message, etc. You should be able to see it. It's a small dark dot.


It is to the right of the MENU Button with the MSG light to the right and above and the power light to the right and below.

Has anyone had any problems with there screens going green using the HDMI and a 3412?

I've gone thru 4 cable boxes within 2 months. Around the first of December i was having picture freeze and audio cutting out on my DVR, Comcast came and replaced it with a new 6412, it worked fine for about 2 weeks and the picture freeze and audio problems came back. I called Comcast and they sent a signal and it fixed it again for 2 weeks. It finally got to be real annoying so I called and again and they came out and replaced the box with a 3412 which was supposed to be brand new but looked like it was 4 yrs old and been thru a war. The tech told me it would be a couple hours for it to work cause there drivers were down to activate the box. 20 minutes after he left the box came on, and it worked for about 10 minutes and the screen went completely green. I turn the box off, then back on, I got 3 seconds of picture and back to green. I did that about 5 more times and finally called comcast and complained and they sent another tech out a few hours later and replaced it with a 6412 again. That DVR lasted a day and the recorder stopped working in it. So again I called comcast and they came out the next day with 2 techs, they went thru all my cables, replaced all the connections, made sure they were all tight, and put in a brand new 3412. As they called in to activate it, a blue protection screen came on my TV saying to use the component connections. They turned my TV off and then on and it went away and as they were setting up the box, the screen went green, they messed with it for a few and then it went away, but did come back. So they told me that I'm going to have to use the component connections that I cant use the HDMI and gave me the cables to put on myself. After they left I had been reading these forums and I came across about resetting the box and redownloading software by unplugging, holding the power and menu buttons and so on. I thought maybe since there main office is in another city and when they set there boxes up its on there system, and not the city I live in. After doing this I have not yet had a problem for a couple days but just wondering if its just working now or if Im going to have problems later. I want to use the HDMI so I have a 100% digital video and audio connection vs digital to analog then my tv have to recode it back to digital and lose picture and audio quality.

Has anyone had any problems with there screens going green using the HDMI and a 3412?

I've gone thru 4 cable boxes within 2 months. Around the first of December i was haveing picture freeze and audio cutting out on my DVR, Comcast came and replaced it a new 6412, it worked fine for about 2 weeks and the picture freeze and audio problems came back. I called Comcast and they sent a signal and it fixed it again for 2 weeks. It finally got to be real annoying so I called and again and they came out and replaced the box with a 3412 which was supposed to be brand new but looked like it was 4 yrs old and been thru a war. The tech told me it would be a couple hours for it to work cause there drivers were down to activate the box. 20 minutes after he left the box came on, and it worked for about 10 minutes and the screen went completely green. I turn the box off, then back on, I got 3 seconds of picture and back to green. I did that about 5 more times and finally called comcast and and complained and they sent anouther tech out a few hours later and replaced it with a 6412 again. That DVR lasted a day and the recorder stopped working in it. SO again I called comcast and they came out the next day with 2 techs, they went thru all my cables, replaced all the connections, made sure they were all tight, and put in a brand new 3412 so as they called in to activate it, a blue protection screen came on my TV saying to your the component connections. They turned my TV off and then on and it went away and as they were setting up the box, the screen went green, they messed with it for a few and then it went away, but did come back. So they told me that I'm going to have to use the component connections that I cant use the HDMI and gave me the cables to put on myself. After they left I had been reading these forums and I came across about resetting the box and redownloading sofeware by unplugging, holding the power and menu buttons and so on. I thought maybe since there main office is in another city and when they set there boxes up its on there system, and not the city I live in. After doing this I have not yet had a problem for a couple days but just wondering if its just working now or if Im going to have problems later. I want to use the HDMI so I have a 100% digital video and audio connection vs digital to analog then my tv have to recode it back to digital and lose picture and audio quality.

HDMI is not ready to be used with the Moto DCT series STB. Too many problems right now with the HDMI. Use Component. There is not that much difference anyway....

Never had a problem with the HDMI on the 6412 p3
Any idea when there going to fix this, or is it one of those things that they think works good enough but they dont care about cause they rather you use the component connections?

I have no problems using the HDMI connection with the 3412.

I have no problems using the HDMI connection with the 3412.

I usually have no problems using the HDMI connection with my 3412, but I do occasionally (several occasions per week, actually) get the green screen. It can generally be remedied by swapping to the other tuner and back. Sometimes the other tuner shows green, too, and it's necessary to change channels. Only once did I have to power cycle the 3412 to get the picture back.

1) How To Add 30-Second Skip
The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the 30-second skip command. Current versions of the iGuide DVR software will skip forward 30 seconds into a recording when this command is sent.

Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Type in the code 00173.
Press whatever button you want to map the 30-second skip command to.


Ok, so I tried this. And it seemed to work. Sure enough, when I click the button on the remote, I do definitely see what looks like a 'jump ahead' icon on the screen (a leapfrogging arrow.) But the show doesn't actually jump. Quick pause, and it's just where it was to start with.

Unit is a 3412, stickers in the battery well of the remote are G053003 and URC-1067ABG1.

Getting this to work would make my attempted programming of a 30-sec skip on my universal remote pointless =)

Question: How much do these DVR boxes cost?

I'm thinking about getting another one, but I don't feel like paying the rental fee.

I have the feeling that it's somewhere around the $300 mark.

Is there a way to delete channels that I do not subscribe to? I use the channel up/down in my HD tier of channels but I don't get Showtime, etc and would like to delete these from cycling through. Thanks!

Also, if I bought one of these units from ebay or similar, would I be able to use it at home so I would not have to pay the $10 monthly fee from Comcast? It seems like they would allow it, a la a cable modem.

Question: How much do these DVR boxes cost?

I'm thinking about getting another one, but I don't feel like paying the rental fee.

I have the feeling that it's somewhere around the $300 mark.
Actually, a CSR said they cost $600 and others have estimated similar costs.

You can't buy them in the US, at least that is what we have heard on this forum. You might be able to buy one from Canada, but it is time-consuming to get them to activate it. It is better to rent, because you will replace it before you have paid for the box.

Is there a way to delete channels that I do not subscribe to? I use the channel up/down in my HD tier of channels but I don't get Showtime, etc and would like to delete these from cycling through. Thanks!


No there is no way to delete Ch. from the guide.



Also, if I bought one of these units from ebay or similar, would I be able to use it at home so I would not have to pay the $10 monthly fee from Comcast? It seems like they would allow it, a la a cable modem.

No, most of the STB on EBAY are stolen. There not available for sale to Non Cable MSO in the US. As someone else stated, it is better to rent, as they will be expensive doorstops in aprox 2 years.

Actually, a CSR said they cost $600 and others have estimated similar costs.

You can't buy them in the US, at least that is what we have heard on this forum. You might be able to buy one from Canada, but it is time-consuming to get them to activate it. It is better to rent, because you will replace it before you have paid for the box.

a DCT 3412 is aprox $380.00 and the 6412 is aprox $425. Price varies with the number of units purchased per order.

ok -it seems i finally got it to work using the 6412 driver-the only thing now is i can't record fox or cbs-i'm thinking it's something to do with that they are both 720p-might be a cable box output setting-has anyone ever tried to record to a pc using the componet outputs and component card for the pc? i'm wondering if using that method would allow me to record all of the premium channels that are flagged not to record-right now only cimemax will let you record


What did you finally do to get the 3412 to work with the 6412 drivers?

I have the drivers installed and the device is working properly according to device manager, but CapVHS software says there is no capture device in the system.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks,

Chad

Ok, so I tried this. And it seemed to work. Sure enough, when I click the button on the remote, I do definitely see what looks like a 'jump ahead' icon on the screen (a leapfrogging arrow.) But the show doesn't actually jump. Quick pause, and it's just where it was to start with.

Unit is a 3412, stickers in the battery well of the remote are G053003 and URC-1067ABG1.

Getting this to work would make my attempted programming of a 30-sec skip on my universal remote pointless =)

Are you certain that you weren't actually viewing the recording in "real time" (i.e., you had caught up with the live broadcast)? That is exactly what will happen if this is the case. I've been fooled several times!

Are you certain that you weren't actually viewing the recording in "real time" (i.e., you had caught up with the live broadcast)? That is exactly what will happen if this is the case. I've been fooled several times!

Very certain. Wasn't watching something that was being recorded, was a full, already done recording.

Very certain. Wasn't watching something that was being recorded, was a full, already done recording.
Strange it won't work for you - it worked on both my 6412 & 3412 boxes. In fact, I used it eight times to program a four minute skip macro on that works on both boxes.

You might try exchanging the STB to see if it will work on a different one.

I don't know what state you're in, but apparently in some areas these boxes have Microsoft (I think) firmware that won't support the skip.

I don't know what state you're in, but apparently in some areas these boxes have Microsoft (I think) firmware that won't support the skip.

True, but MSFT is only in Washington State.

I usually have no problems using the HDMI connection with my 3412, but I do occasionally (several occasions per week, actually) get the green screen. It can generally be remedied by swapping to the other tuner and back. Sometimes the other tuner shows green, too, and it's necessary to change channels. Only once did I have to power cycle the 3412 to get the picture back.


Try doing the hard reboot like I did, I haven't had a problem since I did and its been 5 days and I even had a power failure here for 2 hours on Saturday morning.

I finally received my replacement box Saturday and all of the issues i have had seem to be gone so far, MUCH clearer picture on all channels and the second tuner works as it should.

That being said, it only display's about 4-5 hours of programming on the channel guide. I have left it on but it doesn't seem to populate past 5 hours on most channels, longer on others like INHD but not much.

Is there a way to get this to work better?

True, but MSFT is only in Washington State.

Which would be where I am. =\

Seems strange that the icon would show, but the skip wouldn't work, but, hey, I worked for MS and I know the kind of weirdness that can occur.

So, that brings me to a question I asked in a different thread:

Does anyone know the approximate speeds of FF and REW 1-4s? Not to mention how many seconds get rewound when hitting 'Play' while FF'd at speed X?

IOW, if I'm at FF2, how many seconds of show go by for every second I sit there ffwding?

And if I hit play when FF2 is at 5:00:30, what does play start at? 5:00:25?

I'm trying to build a macro for my universal remote that will, essentially, do a 30 second skip. =)

Here we go again, new box has been working great except it keeps rebooting.

I pushed the record button for a show i was watching and after about 3 minutes of recording the box rebooted, showed 8888 and then a couple of dashes then the time 12:00.

Watched a recorded show and when the delete button came up i pushed ok and the box rebooted again.

Did a n dl last night and went to bed, this morning i turned the box on and it immediatly did the reboot again, sounded like a computer when it boots up.

I seem to remember a post from others having this problem and want to know how they got it resolved, this is the second box and was brand new.

Here we go again, new box has been working great except it keeps rebooting.

I pushed the record button for a show i was watching and after about 3 minutes of recording the box rebooted, showed 8888 and then a couple of dashes then the time 12:00.

Watched a recorded show and when the delete button came up i pushed ok and the box rebooted again.

Did a n dl last night and went to bed, this morning i turned the box on and it immediatly did the reboot again, sounded like a computer when it boots up.

I seem to remember a post from others having this problem and want to know how they got it resolved, this is the second box and was brand new.

Could be a signal strength issue, Do you have any splitters before the STB? Is your coax in good shape?

Could be a over heating STB, Do you have the STB well ventalated?

Could also be the box has some bad parts in it. Contact your cable Co. and explain the problem, and ask them to fix it.

Could be a signal strength issue, Do you have any splitters before the STB? Is your coax in good shape?

Could be a over heating STB, Do you have the STB well ventalated?

Could also be the box has some bad parts in it. Contact your cable Co. and explain the problem, and ask them to fix it.

1 splitter before the box, new cable. Tuner signals are all good and the diagnostics
don't show an over temp. The box has plenty of air circulation.

1 splitter before the box, new cable. Tuner signals are all good and the diagnostics
don't show an over temp. The box has plenty of air circulation.

One last thing, is to make sure you have the STB power cable pluged directly into the wall. If you have a surege protector, this can cause power fluctuations. The STB does not like any change in Voltage. The only type of surge protection, must be the kind that has a power conditioning circuit. This keeps the voltage stable.

if that is not the problem, then get a new STB....

I don't currently have a STB for my Comcast service. I'm thinking of getting the 3412. On occasion I would like to be able to transfer programs recorded on the 3412 to a standalone DVD recorder so I can watch the program on a DVD player on a TV in another room. Does the 3412 have video and audio out jacks that would let me do this? What if the program to be transferred happened to be HD? (The DVD recorder is not a HD DVD recorder.)

I don't currently have a STB for my Comcast service. I'm thinking of getting the 3412. On occasion I would like to be able to transfer programs recorded on the 3412 to a standalone DVD recorder so I can watch the program on a DVD player on a TV in another room. Does the 3412 have video and audio out jacks that would let me do this? What if the program to be transferred happened to be HD? (The DVD recorder is not a HD DVD recorder.)

Yes the 3412 has (1) S-Video & (1) Composit RCA Video out w/ Analog RCA L/R Stereo outputs

Hi all:

I have a new box for a couple of weeks now. Although I have not observed a re-start, when I come home from work, the guide has some items that are "to be announced" that were filled in before. Does this mean that the box was re-started? Is there a log to view to see if the box was shut down and re-started?

Thanks,

Art

Could be a signal strength issue, Do you have any splitters before the STB? Is your coax in good shape?

Could be a over heating STB, Do you have the STB well ventalated?

Could also be the box has some bad parts in it. Contact your cable Co. and explain the problem, and ask them to fix it.
Here is the response i recieved from Motorola:
Response (Angela) - 02/03/2006 06:28 AM
Hello and thank you for choosing Motorola.

Steve,
Please contact your cable provider so they can hit the box again and let the
unit acquire the signal from the provider again. The unit is losing the signal
and that is why the unit keeps rebooting.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to reply to this email or
call us 24/7 at 1-877-466-8646. Thank you again for choosing Motorola and have
a nice day.
Angela Dawley

Here is the response i recieved from Motorola:
Response (Angela) - 02/03/2006 06:28 AM
Hello and thank you for choosing Motorola.

Steve,
Please contact your cable provider so they can hit the box again and let the
unit acquire the signal from the provider again. The unit is losing the signal
and that is why the unit keeps rebooting.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to reply to this email or
call us 24/7 at 1-877-466-8646. Thank you again for choosing Motorola and have
a nice day.
Angela Dawley
So, does this mean i need to re-wire, get a booster or have Comcast check the wiring at the pole?

Which would be where I am. =\

Seems strange that the icon would show, but the skip wouldn't work, but, hey, I worked for MS and I know the kind of weirdness that can occur.

So, that brings me to a question I asked in a different thread:



I'm trying to build a macro for my universal remote that will, essentially, do a 30 second skip. =)

FWIW, I also live in the Seattle area and tried the 30 second skip customization suggested above, with the same results - a skip icon would show up in the upper right corner, but the show would briefly pause and then resume playing from the same location.

If anyone figures out a workaround, pls post!

FWIW, I also live in the Seattle area and tried the 30 second skip customization suggested above, with the same results - a skip icon would show up in the upper right corner, but the show would briefly pause and then resume playing from the same location.

If anyone figures out a workaround, pls post!

When we first got the MSFT guide in Seattle, someone from there posted something to the effect that they had the skip capability, but it had been disabled at Comcast's request (so no remaining hooks to grab onto). I don't know why Comcast allows it with iGuide but not MSFT. But then, I don't even know why we have MSFT instead of iGuide.

Comcast brought by a new DCT-3412 this morning around 9:00 to replace my 6412 that started resetting itself a couple of days ago. It took 3.5 hours for the new box to download. It went through the download process many times before it finally came up. Now I just hope that it stays up.

I don't have too much to say about it other than that it isn't any quieter than the 6412. I can't comment on channels 2-100 becuase I'm getting 'Not Authorized' messages now. I'm guessing that I'm not setup for ADS. Time to call Comcast. Again.

Comcast brought by a new DCT-3412 this morning around 9:00 to replace my 6412 that started resetting itself a couple of days ago. It took 3.5 hours for the new box to download. It went through the download process many times before it finally came up. Now I just hope that it stays up.

I don't have too much to say about it other than that it isn't any quieter than the 6412. I can't comment on channels 2-100 becuase I'm getting 'Not Authorized' messages now. I'm guessing that I'm not setup for ADS. Time to call Comcast. Again.

Have comcast come out to check the coax from the drop pole to your house, and also have them check from where it enters the house to your STB.

Have them do Signal strength checks also.

Also they might need to check your account settings at the office and make sure they have ADS turned on in your account.

Have comcast come out to check the coax from the drop pole to your house, and also have them check from where it enters the house to your STB.

Have them do Signal strength checks also.

Also they might need to check your account settings at the office and make sure they have ADS turned on in your account.

I had them replace the run from the pole to the house late last summer. Long story. Very long in fact. The signal strength is fine now according to the diagnostics on the box (I don't have any test equipment at the house, so I can't get any more accurate than that), so I have no explanation for the downloading issue earlier today. It's up now. There were some linemen out there screwing around yesterday, so I'll keep an eye on things.

I did call to have them turn on ADS just before my prior post and all is fine with that now.

I had them replace the run from the pole to the house late last summer. Long story. Very long in fact. The signal strength is fine now according to the diagnostics on the box (I don't have any test equipment at the house, so I can't get any more accurate than that), so I have no explanation for the downloading issue earlier today. It's up now. There were some linemen out there screwing around yesterday, so I'll keep an eye on things.

I did call to have them turn on ADS just before my prior post and all is fine with that now.

Good to hear. Enjoy your service... :)

FUY - I had my 6412 replaced with the 3412, and all the freezing and recording problems have been resolved. At least in the first two weeks of usage.

Anybody here in Chicago with the 3412 DVR box have green artifacts around the whole screen on every channel?

Anybody know what's causing this?

This just started happening. I called Comcast, and no matter how much I tell them, they think it's my fault. :mad:

Anybody here in Chicago with the 3412 DVR box have green artifacts around the whole screen on every channel?

Anybody know what's causing this?

This just started happening. I called Comcast, and no matter how much I tell them, they think it's my fault. :mad:


Let me guess and say your using HDMI?

No. I'm using component

I'm having the same problem with my boxes in Chicago. They said they would have to send someone out but one of my boxes has now gone back to normal. I guess I will see what happens with the other but it sounds like it must be a bigger problem.

Let me explain more. The STB's guide menu looks perfectly normal. It's the actual video stream that has the green semi-transparent artifacts in patches of lines.

illini60544: Did you get them just now, as in the past 30 minutes?

I've had had the service for more than a month, but this just started happening.

Victor: Yes it started at about 9:50 tonight. They told me that it was a signal issue with my boxes but if you are having the same issues then I doubt this is the case. I'm located in Plainfield.

Yeah, it started around that time hear too.

I'm in Chicago though, are the same lines used for Plainfield too?

I have no idea. Everything is back to normal now for me. She said that she was going to have my service call escalated because it was Superbowl weekend and credited me as well. I guess I will see what I wake up to tomorrow before canceling.

The artifacts are still there on my end. Hmm

I'm thinking about calling them again and telling them that it's just not me having this problem.

UPDATE: It was the STB for some odd reason.

I unplugged the 3412 and plugged it back in. And the image is back to normal, I think it even looks a little better.

What could have caused this?

ALSO (VERY IMPORTANT): My previously recorded shows also had the same artifacts on them. But, they looked perfectly fine before. For example: The episode of Futurama I was watching yesterday looked fine, but now that I was going to watch the rest of the ep, it had those artifacts in the video stream.

So it looks like it was something with the STB's video Codec. Could it have been overheating?

Hey, I just got a 3412 today. There's a lot of good information in this thread but over 19 pages. Is there an area where all the info on the 3412 is put together?

Hey, I just got a 3412 today. There's a lot of good information in this thread but over 19 pages. Is there an area where all the info on the 3412 is put together?
Try here,

http://www.scan-pa.com/AVS/
Index of /AVS

here,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412
Motorola 6412 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

and here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_3412
Motorola 3412 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Would anyone wanna start a little web site with information for STBs? Maybe like STB Help or something. I'll cover the domain and hosting. We could discuss details in private.

Just now, for the third time in about a month, while doing something (this time setting a recording time) the box locks up with a message about command couldn't be completed and to call Comcast, gives an error code "NCAP". The box is totally frozen and has to have the power cycled on it. Of course all the guide info is lost (why so long to repopulate?????? How much is there???? Couple 100kB??????).

Anyone else seen this "NCAP" lockup?

Just now, for the third time in about a month, while doing something (this time setting a recording time) the box locks up with a message about command couldn't be completed and to call Comcast, gives an error code "NCAP". The box is totally frozen and has to have the power cycled on it. Of course all the guide info is lost (why so long to repopulate?????? How much is there???? Couple 100kB??????).

Anyone else seen this "NCAP" lockup?

Yes., you need a full reset of your box.

Hello.

I had a DCT-3412 installed over the weekend. So far, I've had none of the issues mentioned here even though I have it hooked up HDMI.

However, I do have two questions:

1) Is there anyway to program the main guide to default to "Time" instead of "Channel"?

Having just replaced a TiVo, the "Time" order is closer to what both my wife and I are used to.

2) While it seems that there is no way to add another hard drive to this box, but what about replacing the one that is in there?

Shouldn't it just be a matter of pulling the old drive, dropping in a new, larger drive and going through the HDD reset procedure?

Any thoughts?

Hello.

I had a DCT-3412 installed over the weekend. So far, I've had none of the issues mentioned here even though I have it hooked up HDMI.

However, I do have two questions:

1) Is there anyway to program the main guide to default to "Time" instead of "Channel"?

Having just replaced a TiVo, the "Time" order is closer to what both my wife and I are used to.

2) While it seems that there is no way to add another hard drive to this box, but what about replacing the one that is in there?

Shouldn't it just be a matter of pulling the old drive, dropping in a new, larger drive and going through the HDD reset procedure?

Any thoughts?

You only rent the STB from the Cable Co. If you open the STB up, it will void your rental & use agreement with the cable co. and they can charge you the FULL Price of the STB.

So why bother?

A new STB will be out soon with 250GB of HD space.

Yes., you need a full reset of your box.

Just happened again and I am getting a little annoyed. Does anyone have an inkling if this is a software or hardware matter (IOW should I get another box)?

Just happened again and I am getting a little annoyed. Does anyone have an inkling if this is a software or hardware matter (IOW should I get another box)?

Check your signal strength.

with the STB on.

power off & press select/ok

check OOB status & inband status for signal strengths

check OOB status & inband status for signal strengths

Both inbounds GOOD at 60% and 36 dB, OOB also GOOD at 20% and 20 dB.

The last two times this has happened right as I press the record key while a guide entry is highlighted.

You only rent the STB from the Cable Co. If you open the STB up, it will void your rental & use agreement with the cable co. and they can charge you the FULL Price of the STB.

So why bother?

A new STB will be out soon with 250GB of HD space.


True. I also realized that the post violated forum rules. Sorry.

How 'bout the other question? Is there anyway to change the guide so that it defaults to "Time" instead of "Channel?

Thanks.

Both inbounds GOOD at 60% and 36 dB, OOB also GOOD at 20% and 20 dB.

The last two times this has happened right as I press the record key while a guide entry is highlighted.

Have your Cable Co. do a complete reset of your STB. if they dont want to do it, The instructions have been posted several times and you can do it yourself.

This full reset of the STB will cause it to redownload & install all software, firmware. If yourbox still keeps on rebooting then you will need to replace it with a new STB.

If yourbox still keeps on rebooting then you will need to replace it with a new STB.

Is it rebooting or locking up? I haven't left it more than a couple of minutes before pulling the plug.

This is doubly annoying as we are headed out for two weeks tomorrow morning and I was setting up the programming and now I can't do anything, what with the pathetic slowness of guide repopulating. Programs I had scheduled already are in there but the ending times aren't where I want them (I go 30 minutes past) and I can't change them 'cause the guide entries don't yet exist.

Does the reset sequence from this end accomplish the same thing as the Comcast doing it?

Is it rebooting or locking up? I haven't left it more than a couple of minutes before pulling the plug.

This is doubly annoying as we are headed out for two weeks tomorrow morning and I was setting up the programming and now I can't do anything, what with the pathetic slowness of guide repopulating. Programs I had scheduled already are in there but the ending times aren't where I want them (I go 30 minutes past) and I can't change them 'cause the guide entries don't yet exist.

Does the reset sequence from this end accomplish the same thing as the Comcast doing it?

Yes, the factory reset is the same thing as doing a new install.

A reboot is just like unplugging it from the power cord. AKA "a hit sent to the STB from the cable co".

One other thing to check. Make sure you have the STB power cord plugged directly into a wall socket and not a Power strip / surge protector. any change in voltage will cause the STB to reboot. If you want a power / surge protector, then make sure it is a power conditioner model. These will keep the Voltage from going up/down.

Hi guys - great information here, now I get to start troubleshooting my 3412.

1. it's currently plugged into a surge protector. It cannot reach the wall. I cannot afford a 400 dollar conditioning unit. Can i avoid some voltage fluctuation possibilities by plugging the stb into it's own extension cord instead of a surge protector?

2. the other possibility - my signal strenth does seem to be poor. I live in an apartment building, not sure where the cable comes into the house, but i'd rather install a signal booster in my room. is that a feasible option? would a reboot (the type described in this forum thread) possible help the signal situation in any way?

Thanks everyone
Barrett

Hi guys - great information here, now I get to start troubleshooting my 3412.

1. it's currently plugged into a surge protector. It cannot reach the wall. I cannot afford a 400 dollar conditioning unit. Can i avoid some voltage fluctuation possibilities by plugging the stb into it's own extension cord instead of a surge protector?


This could work, but like your cable, how is the power wired to each Apt.?


2. the other possibility - my signal strenth does seem to be poor. I live in an apartment building, not sure where the cable comes into the house, but i'd rather install a signal booster in my room. is that a feasible option? would a reboot (the type described in this forum thread) possible help the signal situation in any way?

Thanks everyone
Barrett


A reboot will not help your signal problems.

With these interactive cable STB, they have to be able to talk back and forth over the cable line from your STb to the Cable plant Head end. What this means is, you should have a direct coax line from the drop point to your STB. if your in an apt. bldg. Do you know how the cable is wired?

Does it have a single line from the drop point to a central splitter that splits the signal to all the Apt. or does each cable user have a drop point outside there Apt. that goes from the pole to each apt?

Yes, the factory reset is the same thing as doing a new install.

A reboot is just like unplugging it from the power cord. AKA "a hit sent to the STB from the cable co".

One other thing to check. Make sure you have the STB power cord plugged directly into a wall socket and not a Power strip / surge protector. any change in voltage will cause the STB to reboot. If you want a power / surge protector, then make sure it is a power conditioner model. These will keep the Voltage from going up/down.
I had the same problem and apparently the reboot from a power loss is NOT the same as a hit sent from the cable company.
I was a little leery of the instructions i received from Motorola about having my box hit to correct the problem so i just scheduled a tech visit for Saturday.

But, when i got home that day after calling Comcast and having them check the box from the office it has worked perfectly ever since, no reboots since Sunday.

Maybe the box can't aquire the signal by itself and it has to be hit, sounds funny but damn if it didn't work!

I had the same problem and apparently the reboot from a power loss is NOT the same as a hit sent from the cable company.
I was a little leery of the instructions i received from Motorola about having my box hit to correct the problem so i just scheduled a tech visit for Saturday.


there are only 2 type of hits that can be sent remotly via the CSR interface.

1. Power reboot aka a hit to the stb.

2. Full STb reset aka New factory install, authorization hit.

I hope that clears it up for you, please let me know if you have Any Questions?



But, when i got home that day after calling Comcast and having them check the box from the office it has worked perfectly ever since, no reboots since Sunday.

Maybe the box can't aquire the signal by itself and it has to be hit, sounds funny but damn if it didn't work!

there are only 2 type of hits that can be sent remotly via the CSR interface.

1. Power reboot aka a hit to the stb.

2. Full STb reset aka New factory install, authorization hit.

I hope that clears it up for you, please let me know if you have Any Questions?
I wasn't home to know what she did but i had done both reboot and full reset numerous times to no avail. When i was on the phone with her she tested the box to see if it was responding and said it looked fine.

All i know is that it has been working fine since. This box was brand new a week ago Saturday and was re-setting itself constantly for a week before i called them.

Do you think Motorola was correct in saying it had to be hit to fix it? I would have thought just being connected and reset would have done the same thing. Who knows....

I wasn't home to know what she did but i had done both reboot and full reset numerous times to no avail. When i was on the phone with her she tested the box to see if it was responding and said it looked fine.

All i know is that it has been working fine since. This box was brand new a week ago Saturday and was re-setting itself constantly for a week before i called them.

Do you think Motorola was correct in saying it had to be hit to fix it? I would have thought just being connected and reset would have done the same thing. Who knows....

Yes,

Sometimes the software or Firmware might not download or install correctly, or the settings for your account could have been wrong.

Glad it's working, that's all that matters anyway..... :)

Yes,

Sometimes the software or Firmware might not download or install correctly, or the settings for your account could have been wrong.

Glad it's working, that's all that matters anyway..... :)
It was working until last night again, set it to record LOST which it started and was also watching it on the other tuner, pushed the pause button for about 10 minutes and then resumed watching it.
Then the box started resetting itself, must have been 10 times over the course of an hour during the show, dvr resumed recording after every reset.
Now the box is back to its original state of only downloading 3-5 hours of the guide and resetting sporatically.
What is up with this thing? Does Comcast offer a different box like Scientific Atlanta that will actually work like its supposed to?

I had the same problem...

Do you get the "NCAP" message like I'm getting?

Do you get the "NCAP" message like I'm getting?
No, mine goes off, then 8888, then a dash, then du1, then dash and finally 12:00

No, mine goes off, then 8888, then a dash, then du1, then dash and finally 12:00
Comcast just came out but said they are out of the 3412 and are getting a new model dvr in but didn't know what it was.
I guess i will have to wait, box is working fine today but was rebooting last night. He checked signal and everything was fine, said it must be the box, no kidding!

I've just gotten a 3412 in exchange for a 6412 that went belly up. It seems more responsive than the 6412 despite the UI being slower to refresh.

I can't seem to get the power socket on the back to switch on and off with the DVR. Have tried enabling the option under DVR settings to have the AC port switched - but the port is always on. Calling Comcast didn't get any help - they said they've changed things because that's what most people wanted.

Are other people with a 3412 seeing this behaviour too - and are there ways to get this working again?

Wonder if anybody else is running into a constant reboot problem with their 3412? I got one installed on Friday and it worked for about an hour and then would start to constantly reboot itself. This'll happen sometimes every hour or sometimes every few minutes.

After this happens it has none of the guide data or anything and basically have to try and download it again.

I got comcast to come out Sunday and replace it with another and this one has the exact same problem. I did have it plugged into a surge protector and based on this thread i plugged it right into the wall and it still has the same problem.

It doesn't seem like a heat issue based on the temperatures i'm feeling by running my hand around it while it's on.

I'll take any comments or suggestions. Comcast says they don't have anymore and i'd rather not have to wait a few weeks for a new one.

On a side note. I did have a regular HD Box for several weeks in the same config i have now with no problems at all.

[QUOTE=someguyinmd]Wonder if anybody else is running into a constant reboot problem with their 3412? I got one installed on Friday and it worked for about an hour and then would start to constantly reboot itself. This'll happen sometimes every hour or sometimes every few minutes.[QUOTE=someguyinmd]

Same problem I am having, sometimes it will be fine all day and then 10 times in an
hour. Comcast is no help, and yes they are out of boxes.

Sorry for the newb question....

Anyone happend to know how to be able to switch channels while recording two shows. I thought i fixed it but i didn't. My wife is ready to take the cable box and throw it out the window. :eek:

Sorry for the newb question....

Anyone happend to know how to be able to switch channels while recording two shows. I thought i fixed it but i didn't. My wife is ready to take the cable box and throw it out the window. :eek:

There are only 2 available tuners on the 3412, so if you are recording 2 shows, your only option is to watch tuner A, or tuner B, or you can watch a previously recorded program that is already on the DVR.

Hey Guys,

I have read about half of this thread and didn't see much discussion about the problem I am having with my 3412. I am on my second one; both have had the same problem. While watching either tuner, the picture will "hiccup" or hesitate for a fraction of a second. It happens mainly on HD channels although I think I have seen it on SD's also. It is related to motion because the more motion there is in the picture, the more it happens. My signal levels are fine and the original version 6412 I had for about six months worked fine until it started locking up.

Software is 71.44-1203; firmware is 12.22.

Any thoughts????

TIA

Rick

Hey Guys,

I have read about half of this thread and didn't see much discussion about the problem I am having with my 3412. I am on my second one; both have had the same problem. While watching either tuner, the picture will "hiccup" or hesitate for a fraction of a second. It happens mainly on HD channels although I think I have seen it on SD's also. It is related to motion because the more motion there is in the picture, the more it happens. My signal levels are fine and the original version 6412 I had for about six months worked fine until it started locking up.

Software is 71.44-1203; firmware is 12.22.

Any thoughts????

TIA

Rick

Sounds like your using the hdmi connection. Just unplug it and turn off the unit and anything in its path to the tv like a receiver or switcher. Turn off tv as well if you can't get it to work. Sometimes just unplugging the hdmi cord works. Pain in the ass if you ask me.

Sounds like your using the hdmi connection. Just unplug it and turn off the unit and anything in its path to the tv like a receiver or switcher. Turn off tv as well if you can't get it to work. Sometimes just unplugging the hdmi cord works. Pain in the ass if you ask me.

Actually, I am using the component connection through my HK AVR-635 Receiver. The 6412 I had previously was connected the same way and didn't exhibit this problem.............

Maybe I should try HDMI........?

i signed up for comcast dvr a couple weeks ago, and they brought me a 6412 but it was only a single tuner for some reason (i'm not sure how a 6412 didn't have a dual tuner in it but it definitely didn't work and they said it was a single tuner model), so I made them bring me a dual tuner box. they brought me a 3412 but the tech left the original remote and said it was the same remote and took the new shrink wrapped one back with him.

the remote doesn't let me enter numbers for the channels less than 101, i can only access them by opening up the guide, scrolling to that channel and then selecting it. is there some way i can set the remote to work for a 3412 or reprogram it or something? i really don't want to have to take yet another half day off work to sit around and wait for comcast to bring me a working remote.

i signed up for comcast dvr a couple weeks ago, and they brought me a 6412 but it was only a single tuner for some reason (i'm not sure how a 6412 didn't have a dual tuner in it but it definitely didn't work and they said it was a single tuner model), so I made them bring me a dual tuner box. they brought me a 3412 but the tech left the original remote and said it was the same remote and took the new shrink wrapped one back with him.

the remote doesn't let me enter numbers for the channels less than 101, i can only access them by opening up the guide, scrolling to that channel and then selecting it. is there some way i can set the remote to work for a 3412 or reprogram it or something? i really don't want to have to take yet another half day off work to sit around and wait for comcast to bring me a working remote.

What remote do you have? Silver over black remote?

Also all 64xx & 34xx STB are Duel Tuners. ONLY the 6208 STB is a single tuner.

What remote do you have? Silver over black remote?

Also all 64xx & 34xx STB are Duel Tuners. ONLY the 6208 STB is a single tuner.

yeah, it is silver on top, black on the bottom with a big "on demand" section. i don't see a model number on it, just a bunch of patents listed on the back.

i guess a 6208 looks the same as a 6412 so maybe i didn't check the model number on the box, but they gave me a guide all about the 6412 and recording with a dual tuner. but the swap button didn't work, and when i called they said they had given me a single tuner.

What remote do you have? Silver over black remote?

i just found the manual that came with the remote - it's a Comcast Custom DVR 3-Device Universal Remote Contol.

there are instructions for programming different devices, and i tried setting up the cable remote with all 3 motorola device codes and the sub-100 channels still don't work, ugh.

...the sub-100 channels still don't work, ugh.

Have you tried entering 3 digits (e.g., 005 for channel 5)?

Have you tried entering 3 digits (e.g., 005 for channel 5)?

ah thanks, "009" and "010" do work. i wonder why 9 then the enter button doesn't work though?

Aside from all of the other problems i am having, the things that actually recorded correctly have dissapeard from the DVR. It is showing 0% full with nothing recorded.
They were there Tuesday night and were gone last night, boy is my wife pissed!!

ah thanks, "009" and "010" do work. i wonder why 9 then the enter button doesn't work though?

You need to enable the "auto tune" setting:

Guide Setup
Use your remote to select Setup from the Main Menu, then select Guide
Setup. select from the following setup options:
• Flip Bar Position – The Flip Bar can appear either at the
top or bottom of your screen.
• Flip Bar Timeout – Change the amount of time in which
the Flip Bar will stay on your screen from 3 to 15 seconds.
• Auto-Tune –
• Yes – Automatically tunes after 2 seconds when you
enter numbers directly on your remote.
• No – Enter 3 digits or press OK after entering
numbers on the remote.•

RTFM http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf

You need to enable the "auto tune" setting:]

thanks bro!

Is there an HD box available without the DVR that has HDMI??? Anyone know?

Hey Guys,

I have read about half of this thread and didn't see much discussion about the problem I am having with my 3412. I am on my second one; both have had the same problem. While watching either tuner, the picture will "hiccup" or hesitate for a fraction of a second. It happens mainly on HD channels although I think I have seen it on SD's also. It is related to motion because the more motion there is in the picture, the more it happens. My signal levels are fine and the original version 6412 I had for about six months worked fine until it started locking up.

Software is 71.44-1203; firmware is 12.22.

Any thoughts????

TIA

Rick


I may have fixed this odd problem. This morning I toggled the cable box output to 480p and did not notice the problem, so I switched it back to 1080i and everything seems OK. I need to watch it for a few days before I will proclaim it to be fixed though.......

Comcast just told me they are issuing a new generation 6412 phase 3 with HDMI
instead of DVI. Anyone else hear this?

Comcast just told me they are issuing a new generation 6412 phase 3 with HDMI
instead of DVI. Anyone else hear this?New moto 6412 with HDMI and SATA (thread):
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=558602
Lots of Comcast posters on that thread.

Well those aren't new so i guess as usual they don't know what they are talking about.

Well those aren't new so i guess as usual they don't know what they are talking about.Well ... probably new to your local Comcast so ...

It's "new" to them / you ...

ah thanks, "009" and "010" do work. i wonder why 9 then the enter button doesn't work though?
Use the OK/Select button (in the center of the cursors) for a quick change. The HDZoom/Enter button sends something different.
If you want, you can map OK/Select onto it:
Press/release Cable to make it the default mode.
Hold setup until 2 blinks, then type 994, should get 2 blinks.
Press/release OK/Select, then HDZoom/Enter. Should get 2 blinks.

Hey Guys,

I have read about half of this thread and didn't see much discussion about the problem I am having with my 3412. I am on my second one; both have had the same problem. While watching either tuner, the picture will "hiccup" or hesitate for a fraction of a second. It happens mainly on HD channels although I think I have seen it on SD's also. It is related to motion because the more motion there is in the picture, the more it happens. My signal levels are fine and the original version 6412 I had for about six months worked fine until it started locking up.

Software is 71.44-1203; firmware is 12.22.

Any thoughts????

TIA

Rick
If you're talking about HD playback being "jerky" - frames being dropped - then this problem has been mentioned in the 6412 w/ SATA thread. I've seen the problem plenty of times. It seems that these units are either so underpowered, or the software is so poor, that if they've been unplugged or reset and are updating guide information, they can't reliably play HD material, recorded or live. The degree to which this happens, and for how long (up to 24 hours), seems variable.

If you're talking about HD playback being "jerky" - frames being dropped - then this problem has been mentioned in the 6412 w/ SATA thread. I've seen the problem plenty of times. It seems that these units are either so underpowered, or the software is so poor, that if they've been unplugged or reset and are updating guide information, they can't reliably play HD material, recorded or live. The degree to which this happens, and for how long (up to 24 hours), seems variable.

Everything seems OK since I toggled the output to 480p and back to 1080i. Last night I connected the 3412 to my Panny Plasma using HDMI and that seems to be working well also.

And I wasn't referring to DVR playback, I was talking about normal viewing. I haven't tried the DVR in the 3412 yet. The problems could be firmware or power supply, but I'm leaning towards memory issues. Either there is enough RAM or it isn't being used properly.

I just bought a panny plasma two weeks ago to go with the 3412 box I already had (fw12.22). I have been anxiously trying to get the hdmi to keep working, but it eventually gives up and defaults back to component, blacking out the screen (with hdmi). It will work for several days, then suddenly give up.

What are your Comcast box settings? I have been trying 16:0-1080i-480p and various flavors in between to no avail.

I now have it on component while my hdmi port goes sadly unused.

I just started playing around with the HDMI connection this morning, but it seems to work OK.

I have my settings at 16:9, 1080i, 4/3 override is set to stretch.

Make sure you go to the next page and verify the DVI/HDMI selector is set properly. I'm not exactly sure what this does considering there is no DVI jack, but I'd guess it might be important.

I am on my second 3412, both have had SD picture lag after watching HD content. When switching from HD (whether live or recorded) to an SD channel, the picture will periodically freeze for a second and then return to normal. The audio is not affected at all. It only happens going from HD to SD and I have not had any issues watching HD content. Anyone else experienced this problem?

I am on my second 3412, both have had SD picture lag after watching HD content. When switching from HD (whether live or recorded) to an SD channel, the picture will periodically freeze for a second and then return to normal. The audio is not affected at all. It only happens going from HD to SD and I have not had any issues watching HD content. Anyone else experienced this problem?
Are you sure it isn't a quirk of your television when it swithes resolutions/tuners? I have a mitsubishi that exibits similar behaviour when going to/from HD/SD content. My audio will return much quicker than the video.

I just picked up my third 3412 this morning. I haven't hooked it up yet. The one I had started to lock up about 5 minutes after turning it on. The ladies working the local service desk claim they are seeing more problems with 3412's than the 6412's.

Are you sure it isn't a quirk of your television when it swithes resolutions/tuners? I have a mitsubishi that exibits similar behaviour when going to/from HD/SD content. My audio will return much quicker than the video.

I don't think so. The problem only happens going from HD to SD, never in the revserse and I had a 6412 prior to this that never had this issue. I have a Sony 34XBR800, but don't have another HD tv in the house to compare it to.

I had a 6412 prior to this that never had this issue.
You are probably correct. I've used 5 different HD inputs and they all responded the same slow way.

I haven't seen this mentioned before, and I don't know if it applies to the 64-series as well or not, but... I ran into some problems with the 3412, many actually, most of which had been printed about here by others, but when I tried to re-download to FW and such, it was just plain stuck in 'dL' for hours and hours on end, I thought I had tried everything, when I noticed that everytime it would try to restart the downloading (after failing) my computer would make the "found new hardware" sound. So - I unplugged the firewire cable from the back of the 3412 -- and voila, next time through the download succeeded. Ran into a few more issues after that, but letting the cable box re-download (of it's own volition, not forced) a couple more times worked it all out.

Anyone else have any results consistent or otherwise with this?

I am on my second 3412, both have had SD picture lag after watching HD content. When switching from HD (whether live or recorded) to an SD channel, the picture will periodically freeze for a second and then return to normal. The audio is not affected at all. It only happens going from HD to SD and I have not had any issues watching HD content. Anyone else experienced this problem?

This is a common problem, it also happens with my 3412. I am also on my 2nd one.
I only know of two solutions. Switch between two SD channels after going from HD to SD, or leave the box on 24/7. The box never really turns off, it just stops outputting audio and video. The first method does have flaws. If you set a recording ahead of time for SD, your recording may have the skips in it.
So leave the box on, and just turn off your TV

I am on my second 3412, both have had SD picture lag after watching HD content. When switching from HD (whether live or recorded) to an SD channel, the picture will periodically freeze for a second and then return to normal. The audio is not affected at all. It only happens going from HD to SD and I have not had any issues watching HD content. Anyone else experienced this problem?


I experience the same issue of SD picture lag after watching HD. I have a Sony 36" HD tv. I tried performing channel changing in the same manner on my wifes non-HD tv 27" Sylvania and low and behold the same SD picture lag, even though her tv is not high def. It must be a problem with all 3412 boxes. Hopefully comcast will send out a software udate to correct this issue.

Has anyone heard anything more about the home networking solution to watch recorded material between multiple units? I just installed two 3412s and this would be great to pass recordings between upstairs and the basement home theater.

Has anyone heard anything more about the home networking solution to watch recorded material between multiple units? I just installed two 3412s and this would be great to pass recordings between upstairs and the basement home theater.

Comcast is working with both Motorola & Panasonic on the Home Multi room DVR setup.

Looks to be a few more years before it is rolled out on Comcast.

Has anyone heard anything more about the home networking solution to watch recorded material between multiple units? I just installed two 3412s and this would be great to pass recordings between upstairs and the basement home theater.

Time Warner has been providing this service in the Minneapolis area for over a year. My boss has it and it works fairly well. But remember the image being sent out by the DVR to the other cable boxes in the house is not HD, even if it was an HD program recorded in HD. The picture looks good on the client TV's but certainly not HD level.

Time Warner has been providing this service in the Minneapolis area for over a year. My boss has it and it works fairly well. But remember the image being sent out by the DVR to the other cable boxes in the house is not HD, even if it was an HD program recorded in HD. The picture looks good on the client TV's but certainly not HD level.

Did you play it live off the stored DVR? or did you download / copy it to the local DVR?

We had the DVR record the program, then watched it later on different TV's in the house.

Does anyone know where to find the user manual for the 3412 ?

Does anyone know where to find the user manual for the 3412 ?

I have a paper Original.

However my flatbed scanner is down. :(

Does anyone know where to find the user manual for the 3412 ?

It is the same as the 6412 and can be found on the motorola web site

It is the same as the 6412 and can be found on the motorola web site

Sorry but it is not the same as the 6400 series OM.

Call your Cable Co. and have them give you one. They should have quite a stack as one is included in EVERY Box the 3412 came in.

I recently got the 3412 from Comcast. I previously had the 6412 phase III, but it kept shutting down while recording.

I notice on the 3412 when transitioning from bright scenes there are hundrends of blocks displayed on the screen. I did not see this with the 6412. I have had the box since last Friday, so it is finished downloading all the guide info.

Does anyone else see these blocks after bright scenes?

Is there a way to stretch/zoom the HD channels that are broadcasting in 4:3? I see an HD Zoom button on the remote, but it does nothing. My TV is a Panny Plasma th42px50u

Comcast brought out the replacement for my 3412 thats been acting up and its a "state of the art" brand new 6412! Figures.

I just got my first 3412 after my 6412 Phase 3 died. I've noticed the pauses that others have noticed when switching between SD and HD channels.

The other problem that I've noticed, that I haven't seen others report, is that the DVR pause frame advance and slow mo functions don't work, or work rarely. If I'm watching a program and I pause the picture, it will not perform any other function except returning to play.

Has anyone else seen this?

This morning, I picked up my fifth DCT-3412. I have also had three different 6412's. So I am now on my eighth Comcast HD-DVR...................

I was able to record some of the problems I have been experiencing on my previous 3412 and I gave that box back to Comcast. Their local hardware gurus are going to look at what I recorded. So far, the local Comcast guys are convinced the DCT-3412 badly needs a firmware update.

I can't believe more people aren't noticing the same picture hesitation (hiccup) problem that I am seeing. It is only on HD channels and it's not all HD channels. But when it happens, it is easy to see. It was terrible on NBC and UHD during the Olympics.

I can't believe more people aren't noticing the same picture hesitation (hiccup) problem that I am seeing. It is only on HD channels and it's not all HD channels. But when it happens, it is easy to see. It was terrible on NBC and UHD during the Olympics.


Seen them, but mainly on SD channels as has been mentioned when changing from HD. As for the hiccups during the Olympics, that was NBC or Comcast, not the box. I have my TV connected directly to the RG-6 in addition to the 3412, and I was seeing those hiccups via the internal HD tuner as well. I was getting really upset with the 3412, so I switched to the internal tuner, and it was happening there as well.

Is there a way to stretch/zoom the HD channels that are broadcasting in 4:3? I see an HD Zoom button on the remote, but it does nothing. My TV is a Panny Plasma th42px50u
The cable box itself will not stretch HD channels. That is up to your TV. Many cannot Zoom or stretch HD either. The HDZoom button is probably for some possible feature that was never implemented. I have mine remapped as a duplicate of the OK/Select button.

Seen them, but mainly on SD channels as has been mentioned when changing from HD. As for the hiccups during the Olympics, that was NBC or Comcast, not the box. I have my TV connected directly to the RG-6 in addition to the 3412, and I was seeing those hiccups via the internal HD tuner as well. I was getting really upset with the 3412, so I switched to the internal tuner, and it was happening there as well.

I'm still seeing the hiccups on NBC now, even after the Olympics. And for me, the HD channels are the problem, not SD channels. I see the hiccups even when the local NBC affiliate is on. I also see the hiccups fairly regularly on Discovery HD although I hardly ever see them on CBS or ABC.......

I'm sure much has been said about this already, but I thought the HD picture quality of the Olympics was generally very poor. I noticed almost constant macro-blocking. Any one else feel the same way???????

I'm still seeing the hiccups on NBC now, even after the Olympics. And for me, the HD channels are the problem, not SD channels. I see the hiccups even when the local NBC affiliate is on. I also see the hiccups fairly regularly on Discovery HD although I hardly ever see them on CBS or ABC.......

I'm sure much has been said about this already, but I thought the HD picture quality of the Olympics was generally very poor. I noticed almost constant macro-blocking. Any one else feel the same way???????

The Olympics coverage was very poor, I too am experiencing hiccups. Last night I was recording a HD feed and when I would switch tuners to a SD channel the hiccups were very bad, like 1+ second pauses.

The Olympics coverage was very poor, I too am experiencing hiccups. Last night I was recording a HD feed and when I would switch tuners to a SD channel the hiccups were very bad, like 1+ second pauses.
If this was a broadcast signal problem, it mut have occurred only in specific areas. I watched a ton of Olympics this year on the 6412, always in HD and don't recall any visual gliches, besides the occasional macroblocking.

If this was a broadcast signal problem, it mut have occurred only in specific areas. I watched a ton of Olympics this year on the 6412, always in HD and don't recall any visual gliches, besides the occasional macroblocking.

Must have been, since it was happening with the internal QAM tuner on my TV, and with the number of folks reporting it, there would have been a lot of coincidental problems with 3412's. My 3412 has been pretty good, with the one exception of slow motion, which just doesn't seem to work. It's not a big deal for me, but just another annoyance.

/gratuitous Rant

Why can't these things just work like most other electronic devices, without endless updates and replacement?

/end gratuitous rant

My fifth DCT-3412 has the problem others have discussed here. SD channels hiccup or hesitate when changing from an HD channel. It is easily fixed by toggling SD channels. I haven't seen any other issues with this box...........yet.

I think I saw a couple hiccups on HD channels, but again it was fixed by toggling channels. Of the five 3412's I've had, this seem like the best one so far, which isn't saying much.

I'm still seeing the hiccups on NBC now, even after the Olympics. And for me, the HD channels are the problem, not SD channels. I see the hiccups even when the local NBC affiliate is on. I also see the hiccups fairly regularly on Discovery HD although I hardly ever see them on CBS or ABC.......

What do you mean by hiccups? Jerky motion, as if it's playing fewer frames per second, or something else?

What do you mean by hiccups? Jerky motion, as if it's playing fewer frames per second, or something else?

Yes, that is what I mean by "hiccups".

FWIW, the latest 3412 I picked up seems to work OK, except for some "jerky motion" when you switch from an HD channel to an SD. To fix this you just need to toggle SD channels. I haven't seen this particular 3412 mess up on any HD channels as of yet and it hasn't locked up during recording...........

I am upgrading my audio and was wondering why if component is video only how come the receiver has component in jacks? Are they pass thru only? Also, will the composite l/r carry the 5.1 dolby signal or do i have to use the optical/digital ports?
Thanks for the help.

I am upgrading my audio and was wondering why if component is video only how come the receiver has component in jacks? Are they pass thru only? Also, will the composite l/r carry the 5.1 dolby signal or do i have to use the optical/digital ports?
Thanks for the help.

Many receivers have video switching included as a convenience feature. You can connect both the video and audio cables for all of your devices to the receiver, and then connect only one video output from the receiver to the TV. You still need your audio cables connected from the device to the receiver, be they analog or digital, and then you can switch both video and audio simultaneously via the receiver.

I have a problem that no one seems to have described before (after a thread search): My 3412 has a recording that I can't play. When I select the recording for playback it immediately jumps to the "Delete or Don't Delete" prompt screen, though I've never watched it. If I select the "Start over from the beginning" button it still goes straight to the delete screen. I had this happen a few times with my 6412 when it was on its downward spiral, and I hope this doesn't mean the 3412 is circling the drain. I just want to watch that recording. Any suggestions?

I am upgrading my audio and was wondering why if component is video only how come the receiver has component in jacks? Are they pass thru only? Also, will the composite l/r carry the 5.1 dolby signal or do i have to use the optical/digital ports?
Thanks for the help.
Only the optical/digital ports carry the 5.1 signal. I run digital from my stb to my receiver. I run component and the l/r RCAs (5 rca cables total) directly to my tv.

No reason to run your video through your receiver, unless you've run out of inputs on your tv and need the receiver to act as a video a/b switch.

Could someone tell me how on the Moto 3412 you switch tuners?

For example, when i try to change channels, the 3412 will tell me here and there that the program is being recorded. Rather than racking my brain trying to think what other program is being recorded, I'd like to just switch tuners and see the other program.
I've just gotten so used to tivo, that the 3412 is very difficult to use. It's basically like a VCR with a program guide. Tivo has had much more thought put into the user interface than this thing.

Could someone tell me how on the Moto 3412 you switch tuners?

For example, when i try to change channels, the 3412 will tell me here and there that the program is being recorded. Rather than racking my brain trying to think what other program is being recorded, I'd like to just switch tuners and see the other program.
I've just gotten so used to tivo, that the 3412 is very difficult to use. It's basically like a VCR with a program guide. Tivo has had much more thought put into the user interface than this thing.

SWAP button on the bottom of the remote.

SWAP button on the bottom of the remote.
My remote does not have a SWAP button.

I have a problem that no one seems to have described before (after a thread search): My 3412 has a recording that I can't play. When I select the recording for playback it immediately jumps to the "Delete or Don't Delete" prompt screen, though I've never watched it. If I select the "Start over from the beginning" button it still goes straight to the delete screen. I had this happen a few times with my 6412 when it was on its downward spiral, and I hope this doesn't mean the 3412 is circling the drain. I just want to watch that recording. Any suggestions?

I had this problem on my new (to me) 6412 from the beginning. I requested a brand new 6412 and have not had the problem since.

I've got a question regarding audio sync issues...

I've noticed, every so often, that the words are not matching up with the lips on the screen. I'm always watching through my HDMI port and the audio is going from the cable box through a digital coax to my surround sound. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

My remote does not have a SWAP button.

Some don't. Either get a remote w/the swap button, or use this link
http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remoteAC.htm
and assign an unused button (ex- HD Zoom) for the swap function.
There are posts for 30 second ff and other useful tips in this thread.

I just received my 3412 a few days ago and set it up and I'm having problems.

I have it hooked up via component to the TV. The HD channels look fine, but any other non-hd channel (FX, Comedy Central...etc) are so dark I can barely see them. My TV is set to a brightness of "50" for everything else (HD, Tivo via S-Video, DVD) but if I'm watching a non-HD channel through the 3412, I have to crank the brightness up to 90-100 just to be able to see anything (and even then it looks pretty crappy.

Any ideas of what's going on with my box?

Ok, it has been awhile since I made the above post, but I finally figured out how to fix this if anyone is seeing this problem. Go into the service menu (turn the box off and immediately press the menu button). Switch the 4:3 override from 480i to 480P.

For some reason, this completely fixes the problem for me. Everything looks a-ok and the darkness is completely gone. Also SD looks much clearer than the S-Video through the Tivo. Guess I'll be moving some of my season passes over to this box.

I have just gotten hd dvr service from comcast in Jersey City, NJ they gave me the 3412 box. my problem is that some channels have either a black box around the picture "postage stamp" or black bars on either side of the picture. the guy that installed my hdtv said that it is a setting in the stb. after speaking to a somewhat knowledgable rep at comcast they had me go into th menu with the box off and set: aspect: 16:9; y,pb,pr: 1080i; 4:3 override: 480i. the rep said this should correct it. it corrected the boxes on most of the non hd channels but on several of the hd channels the box is still there. channels such as abchd some of the programing in espnhd and some programing on nbchd and hbohd. anyone have any ideas why it is doing this or is it normal?

My remote does not have a SWAP button.

Then you have the remote intended for the DCT6208 which had only one tuner. Although reprogramming an unused button to perform the function works, you should insist on getting the correct remote.

... on several of the hd channels the box is still there. channels such as abchd some of the programing in espnhd and some programing on nbchd and hbohd. anyone have any ideas why it is doing this or is it normal?

Unfortunately is normal. You are seeing letterboxed video from SD 4:3 programming broadcast in HD where the network is including the black sidebars to fill the image out to 16:9. It is especially common in commercials. ESPNHD usually includes the fancy B&W striped ESPN sidebars instead of black but it is the same idea.

Any hope for larger hard drives anytime soon? Coming from a 100hr tivo, I'd have a hard time with 15hrs of HD.

Any hope for larger hard drives anytime soon? Coming from a 100hr tivo, I'd have a hard time with 15hrs of HD.

Can you record 15 hours of HD shows in 1 day?

Could someone tell me how on the Moto 3412 you switch tuners?

For example, when i try to change channels, the 3412 will tell me here and there that the program is being recorded. Rather than racking my brain trying to think what other program is being recorded, I'd like to just switch tuners and see the other program.
I've just gotten so used to tivo, that the 3412 is very difficult to use. It's basically like a VCR with a program guide. Tivo has had much more thought put into the user interface than this thing.


The question really is: Why is the box not smart enough to swap tuners automatically when you press the channel button while recording on one tuner? It seems easy enough.

Any hope for larger hard drives anytime soon? Coming from a 100hr tivo, I'd have a hard time with 15hrs of HD.

I thought the same thing....surprisingly I don't have too much trouble with it, but it's sad to look at it now and see I have a whopping 4 hours recorded and the hard drive is at 29% full...pathetic. I've just had to adjust a bit....I used to record 10 or more episodes of 24 and then watch them all at once...well, I can't do that anymore.

Now I use this box to only record HD, and use my Tivo for everything else. Granted, SD looks better through the 3412 than it does Tivo, but the 3412 just doesn't have the hard drive space. It's lame.

I just hope for better software someday. I had heard like a year ago about Comcast starting to roll out Moxi boxes, but haven't heard anything for a long time. The Tivo software deal also went bust I believe. **groan**

I guess I'm going to start saving for the Tivo Series3.

....I used to record 10 or more episodes of 24 and then watch them all at once...well, I can't do that anymore.

Sure you can -- just record them in SD and they'll look just like the TiVo's.

I thought the same thing....surprisingly I don't have too much trouble with it, but it's sad to look at it now and see I have a whopping 4 hours recorded and the hard drive is at 29% full...pathetic. I've just had to adjust a bit....I used to record 10 or more episodes of 24 and then watch them all at once...well, I can't do that anymore.

Now I use this box to only record HD, and use my Tivo for everything else. Granted, SD looks better through the 3412 than it does Tivo, but the 3412 just doesn't have the hard drive space. It's lame.

I just hope for better software someday. I had heard like a year ago about Comcast starting to roll out Moxi boxes, but haven't heard anything for a long time. The Tivo software deal also went bust I believe. **groan**

I guess I'm going to start saving for the Tivo Series3.

Both the Iguide Software upgrade and the Tivo Software service upgrade will be available later this year for the DCT-6412 & 3412 series STB.

The question really is: Why is the box not smart enough to swap tuners automatically when you press the channel button while recording on one tuner? It seems easy enough.

Because then someone would complain about that.

Sure you can -- just record them in SD and they'll look just like the TiVo's.

Oh, of course. Why didn't I think of that? That is why I bought the HDTV and pay the extra money for HD broadcasts after all. :)

My 3412 just frizzed out this morning. I got a completly pixelated picture with no sound. After unplugging the unit for a couple of minutes, the picture came back, but no sound is transmitted through the HDMI. The optical output to the receiver is fine.

Of course, the local Comcast office is out of the 3412's.

Has anyone else had this problem and fixed it?

Thanks in advance.

Art

I just had Comcast come out due to both my 6412s locking up at least once a day. He came out and added an amplifier and also brought a 3412 to replace one of my recievers. I have already noticed a couple bad things. One, the harddrive noise is awful. It is very noticable. Even my wife said something. Next, any channels under the 150s have terrible stuttering along with various artifacting. This is really frustrating. Is there no box that can compete with a DirecTivo? I made the switch and am really starting to regret it. I have called Comcast for various problems at least once every 3 days in the last 5 weeks we have had cable. I just want a box that works. I'll probably take this one back to the Comcast office and see about getting another one. UGHHHHHHH!!!!

Mike :mad:

I just picked up my 3412 this weekend and have the random reboot problem.

Thanks to everyone for posting info here. Much more helpful than Comcast tech support.

Reading through these pages here it seems the possibilities are

1) Poor signal quality
2) Voltage irregularities
3) High temp
4) Bad STB

1)I checked my signal quality on my line and it appears adequate to me. It is Good on OOB for both S/N and AGC. For my In Band ones I am at Good for the S/N and Fair for the AGC. I only have one 3 way splitter in my system, with the 3.5db going to the cable modem and one of the 7db going directly into the 3412. So just to be sure I ran the cable modem wire into the 3412. This changed everything to good, but I still had the reboot problem. So I do not believe this is the issue.

2)It has been suggested to not use surge protectors. Currently I am plugged into a surge protector. Unfortunately, my STB will not reach to the wall outlet. I could run an extension cord, but this seems like it wouldn't really solve the issue if my power is fluctuating. I will try this tomorrow. If this really is the problem I guess I could just go buy one of those power supply conditioners. Did anyone actually do this and have the issue go away? I would like to hear from at least one person where they fixed this issue by plugging directly into the wall or using a power supply/conditioner before I dropped down the money for that.

3) I am running at about 104. The box is in the open air on a glass shelf with nothing around it. So I don't think this is the issue.

4) I have an service call set up for Tuesday. I told them to bring a new box, so hopefully they do.

I am curious if any of the other posters have actually resolved this issue by getting a better signal, plugging it in directly to the wall, or by swapping units?

Anybody that was having the constant reboots get it fixed and how did you do it?

I seem to remember Scanpa saying some time ago that it's actually BAD to plug one of the Motorola boxes into a surge protector, unless it does voltage regulation. Not sure why, but that's what was said.

Try searching this or the other Moto threads for more info. I can't remember which one of the 3 it was in.

I seem to remember Scanpa saying some time ago that it's actually BAD to plug one of the Motorola boxes into a surge protector, unless it does voltage regulation. Not sure why, but that's what was said.

Try searching this or the other Moto threads for more info. I can't remember which one of the 3 it was in.


Andy - Thanks for the reply.

Yes I have seen Scanpa note that a few times in previous responses. Like I said I will try plugging directly into the wall outlet tomorrow with an extention cord, but I am still curious if this has fixed the problem for anyone, because I am doubtful about it.....

The biggest problem I have is the delay when pressing buttons on the remote. 5-10 seconds when going to FF, or switiching from FF1 to FF2 or going back to play. And the 2-3 minute dropback when going from FF2-3-4 back to play. This is pretty intolerable. Am I maybe missing something, or do others not experience this?

The biggest problem I have is the delay when pressing buttons on the remote. 5-10 seconds when going to FF, or switiching from FF1 to FF2 or going back to play. And the 2-3 minute dropback when going from FF2-3-4 back to play. This is pretty intolerable. Am I maybe missing something, or do others not experience this?

I have a 3412 and the only two problems I have had are:

1. Sometimes the video will studder when going from a HD to non-HD channel. It is fixed by just toggling the channel up or down once and back.

2. The 3412 seems to take a long time (like 5 seconds) to come out of pause. It works good enough for me. I'm going to duump it as soon as the Tivo Serries III come out.

I have a 3412 and the only two problems I have had are: 1. Sometimes the video will studder when going from a HD to non-HD channel. It is fixed by just toggling the channel up or down once and back. 2. The 3412 seems to take a long time (like 5 seconds) to come out of pause.

Thanks, just want to clarify - you get instant response when hitting FF or play on the remote? You don't get any "dropback" when going from FF to play?

The 3412 works good enough for me. I'm going to duump it as soon as the Tivo Serries III come out.

I take it series III will have HD?

We lost power yesterday for a few minutes. Today we went to watch a recorded show, but found them all gone. No recorded show, no scheduled shows, no series priority lists, nothing! I've never had that happen in the 1 year I've had a 6412 or 3412. Yes we've lost power many times. I don't recall this being an issue on either the 6412 or 3412 threads.

I just had Comcast come out due to both my 6412s locking up at least once a day. He came out and added an amplifier and also brought a 3412 to replace one of my recievers. I have already noticed a couple bad things. One, the harddrive noise is awful. It is very noticable. Even my wife said something. Next, any channels under the 150s have terrible stuttering along with various artifacting. This is really frustrating. Is there no box that can compete with a DirecTivo? I made the switch and am really starting to regret it. I have called Comcast for various problems at least once every 3 days in the last 5 weeks we have had cable. I just want a box that works. I'll probably take this one back to the Comcast office and see about getting another one. UGHHHHHHH!!!!

Mike :mad:
It sure sounds like you have a signal strength/quality problem and not a STB problem. If your incomming signal isn't clean, the booster isn't going to do anything more than amplify the "garbage".

The biggest problem I have is the delay when pressing buttons on the remote. 5-10 seconds when going to FF, or switiching from FF1 to FF2 or going back to play. And the 2-3 minute dropback when going from FF2-3-4 back to play. This is pretty intolerable. Am I maybe missing something, or do others not experience this?

Nope I'm on my 5th box and this was a problem with 3 of them. One of them totally froze and wouldn't come back on at all.
You can try new batteries in the remote but that's for your own piece of mind.
Good luck

Originally Posted by opus312: The biggest problem I have is the delay when pressing buttons on the remote. 5-10 seconds when going to FF, or switiching from FF1 to FF2 or going back to play. And the 2-3 minute dropback when going from FF2-3-4 back to play. This is pretty intolerable. Am I maybe missing something, or do others not experience this?

Nope I'm on my 5th box and this was a problem with 3 of them. One of them totally froze and wouldn't come back on at all. You can try new batteries in the remote but that's for your own piece of mind.

Sounds like your current box doesn't have this problem? So maybe it's worth continuing to exchange boxes until I find one that actually works like it should?

This one's been the best so far out of the 5 but they all seem to have one symptom or another of the problems described in this thread.
I now have direct extensions to the local call center and the tech supervisors cell number regarding all the problems with these boxes.
I'll post the firmware and any other info I can once I get back in front of the tv if that will help.

This one's been the best so far out of the 5 but they all seem to have one symptom or another of the problems described in this thread.
I now have direct extensions to the local call center and the tech supervisors cell number regarding all the problems with these boxes. I'll post the firmware and any other info I can once I get back in front of the tv if that will help.

Yep, that would be great, thanks! Not sure which line I should be looking at in diagnostics, but GIOS = 12.22 and Build Type = DCT-FE-1.7

By the way, the remote seems to be very picky about being pointed directly at the box. Seems like that shouldn't be the case with an infrared remote?

By the way, the remote seems to be very picky about being pointed directly at the box. Seems like that shouldn't be the case with an infrared remote?

If you haven't already change the batteries to copper tops. If you are using the batteries that came with the thing, they are usually junk. This did the trick for me.

I just had Comcast come out due to both my 6412s locking up at least once a day.
This is a well known issue with all of the x412's. Check out the Wikipedia entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412#Box_locks_up_between_4:20_and_4:50_AM_or_PM

Yep, that would be great, thanks! Not sure which line I should be looking at in diagnostics, but GIOS = 12.22 and Build Type = DCT-FE-1.7

Sorry it took so long, the wife wouldn't give up the tv..
s/w 71.44 12..03 12.22 f/w
Pretty much what everyone else has posted in this thread.
Bottom line is if it screws up make them come out and replace it. If it starts costing them too much money on service calls well maybe they will fix this crap.
The customer service rep has told me their seeing more problems with this box so maybe we'll get some thing new soon.

I find the box is often unresponsive to remote commands. It frequently locks into FF or Rewind. It is futile to try to exercise any fine control over navigation, and takes forever to move to the beginning or end of most recordings. Paradoxically, on some recordings the only navigation that is possible is to jump immediately to the beginning or the end, but nowhere in between.

I got so frustrated I bought a TiVo Series 2 standalone for non HD programs. Ahhhh! So fine.

I just picked up my 3412 this weekend and have the random reboot problem.

Thanks to everyone for posting info here. Much more helpful than Comcast tech support.

Reading through these pages here it seems the possibilities are

1) Poor signal quality
2) Voltage irregularities
3) High temp
4) Bad STB

1)I checked my signal quality on my line and it appears adequate to me. It is Good on OOB for both S/N and AGC. For my In Band ones I am at Good for the S/N and Fair for the AGC. I only have one 3 way splitter in my system, with the 3.5db going to the cable modem and one of the 7db going directly into the 3412. So just to be sure I ran the cable modem wire into the 3412. This changed everything to good, but I still had the reboot problem. So I do not believe this is the issue.

2)It has been suggested to not use surge protectors. Currently I am plugged into a surge protector. Unfortunately, my STB will not reach to the wall outlet. I could run an extension cord, but this seems like it wouldn't really solve the issue if my power is fluctuating. I will try this tomorrow. If this really is the problem I guess I could just go buy one of those power supply conditioners. Did anyone actually do this and have the issue go away? I would like to hear from at least one person where they fixed this issue by plugging directly into the wall or using a power supply/conditioner before I dropped down the money for that.

3) I am running at about 104. The box is in the open air on a glass shelf with nothing around it. So I don't think this is the issue.

4) I have an service call set up for Tuesday. I told them to bring a new box, so hopefully they do.

I am curious if any of the other posters have actually resolved this issue by getting a better signal, plugging it in directly to the wall, or by swapping units?

Anybody that was having the constant reboots get it fixed and how did you do it?

Update: I got another reboot with the STB plugged directly in the the wall, so it wasn't the the surge protector.

Bottom line is if it screws up make them come out and replace it.

This can be a bit problematic with DVRs if you have a bunch of recordings...

I find the box is often unresponsive to remote commands. It frequently locks into FF or Rewind. It is futile to try to exercise any fine control over navigation, and takes forever to move to the beginning or end of most recordings. Paradoxically, on some recordings the only navigation that is possible is to jump immediately to the beginning or the end, but nowhere in between. I got so frustrated I bought a TiVo Series 2 standalone for non HD programs. Ahhhh! So fine.

Thanks, I was just considering the same thing. $59 at Costco after $150 rebate.

Thanks, I was just considering the same thing. $59 at Costco after $150 rebate.
Tivo has crossed my mind many times also. But it turns out I'm a cheap SOB and can't part with $13/month fee in addition to my cable bill.

Tivo has crossed my mind many times also. But it turns out I'm a cheap SOB and can't part with $13/month fee in addition to my cable bill.

But aren't you already paying $9.95/month for the Comcast DVR?

Incidentally, I hear Tivo's considering giving away their boxes in an attempt to increase the number of subscribers.

Update: I got another reboot with the STB plugged directly in the the wall, so it wasn't the the surge protector.
Nothing will fix the problem, my 3rd 3412 had this problem and was finally replaced with a 6412 and it has worked perfectly. The local Comcast (Atlanta) was out of 3412's for 2 weeks and the new boxes are 6412's. Maybe they gave up on the 3412??

Nothing will fix the problem, my 3rd 3412 had this problem and was finally replaced with a 6412 and it has worked perfectly. The local Comcast (Atlanta) was out of 3412's for 2 weeks and the new boxes are 6412's. Maybe they gave up on the 3412??

I don't think so, the local office has nothing but 3412s. But I also tried two 6412 boxes at first, had the same problems with time lag from remote, dropback after FF, etc. Time for Tivo, I think. Sure wish I could use my Dish Network DVR here. Sigh.

But aren't you already paying $9.95/month for the Comcast DVR?

Incidentally, I hear Tivo's considering giving away their boxes in an attempt to increase the number of subscribers.

They are practically giving them away already. $70 for the 80-hour after rebate (with a 1-year subscription). The 40-hour was practically free, but they no longer include them on the TiVo site, although I saw a few at BB.

I don't like paying for two services, but I put the TiVo in the bedroom so I have something other than the inane morning news shows to listen to in the AM. However, it is such a pleasure to use after the frustration of the Comcast box, that I find I'm watching more in the bedroom.

When the series 3 comes out, if Comcast doesn't get its act together, I'm sure I'll spring for the new TiVo box.

One more thing: I called Comcast to ask how much it would cost to include my premium channels on my bedroom box and was told it was free and should have been activated all along. I wonder if anyone else thought there was a per-box charge. If you don't have your premium content on all your boxes, have it changed. I'm kind of pissed off that I had to ask and get the service two years after I should have.

On the 3412, is there a way to skip to the end of the program and rewind from there...or like skip 15 minutes at a time similar to Tivo? I tried re-watching a portion of Lost the other day, only to have to FF the whole way to the 55 minute marker, which obviously is annoying when comparing to the Tivo.

On the 3412, is there a way to skip to the end of the program and rewind from there...or like skip 15 minutes at a time similar to Tivo? I tried re-watching a portion of Lost the other day, only to have to FF the whole way to the 55 minute marker, which obviously is annoying when comparing to the Tivo.

Dunno, but pretty much everything about Comcast's DVR is annoying when compared to almost anything else. Dish Network's DVR was a dream to use. Sigh.

But aren't you already paying $9.95/month for the Comcast DVR?

Incidentally, I hear Tivo's considering giving away their boxes in an attempt to increase the number of subscribers.
Huh??? Are you suggesting I trade in an HD PVR at $10/month and replace it with a SD PVR for $13/month? Only a fool would do that. The DCTs have some quirks, but they do the trick. Not to mention the price point of $0 up front and $10/month.

This can be a bit problematic with DVRs if you have a bunch of recordings...

Your absolutely right! All the more reason to get Comcast to provide you with a "working" unit and maybe some compensation for you lost time.
I've had to work around Desperate Housewives and Gray's Anatomy and a few other shows with the wife on the swap but luckily one of the past boxes crashed during one of these recordings so now I have the wife bashing Comcast and their equipment.

Thanks, just want to clarify - you get instant response when hitting FF or play on the remote? You don't get any "dropback" when going from FF to play?


nope just takes what seems like forever when coming out of pause.

I take it series III will have HD?


Yes from I can tell it looks like a sweet machine. I saw pictures of it on some blog. It will take dual cable cards and still have two ota tuners. If the on demand does not work who cares or I can always watch it in SD in the bed room.

I hate the DCT DVR's and will walk into any store with a smile on face to plunk down anything less then $1000.00 to get rid of it.

Nothing will fix the problem, my 3rd 3412 had this problem and was finally replaced with a 6412 and it has worked perfectly. The local Comcast (Atlanta) was out of 3412's for 2 weeks and the new boxes are 6412's. Maybe they gave up on the 3412??

Update: Well my replacement showed up today and it seems that is truly the fix. My replacement was a 6412 and so far (crossing my fingers) no random reboots.

So for anyone else in the future, if you are getting the random reboot problem and you have verified your signal is ok, and you have verified that your temps are not high, then you should just keep switching boxes until you get lucky.

I haven't really had a chance to check for all of the other possible problems this box might have, but at least it isn't dumping it's brain every 15 mins...

Tivo Series III. Yes from I can tell it looks like a sweet machine. I saw pictures of it on some blog. It will take dual cable cards and still have two ota tuners. If the on demand does not work who cares or I can always watch it in SD in the bed room.

Any idea of a timetable? Trying to decide whether to just go ahead and purchase the series II, or maybe wait...

So is the Picture Quality any different on the 3412 than the 6412? Has anyone made the switch from 6412 to 3412? Were you happy with the change?

Thanks!

Huh??? Are you suggesting I trade in an HD PVR at $10/month and replace it with a SD PVR for $13/month? Only a fool would do that. The DCTs have some quirks, but they do the trick.

Just curious, have you ever used a DVR other than Comcast's? If not, you'd find it hard to believe just how primitive and unusable Comcast's DVR can appear to someone who's migrated from another service. HD means nothing to me, compared to a DVR that works as it's supposed to.

So is the Picture Quality any different on the 3412 than the 6412? Has anyone made the switch from 6412 to 3412? Were you happy with the change?

Thanks!


I traded one of my 6412s in for a 3412.... seems fine to me...

Just curious, have you ever used a DVR other than Comcast's? If not, you'd find it hard to believe just how primitive and unusable Comcast's DVR can appear to someone who's migrated from another service. HD means nothing to me, compared to a DVR that works as it's supposed to.
No, but I'll take your word on it. I can tell by the way ex-tivoers rant and rave that Tivo is light years ahead of the DCTs - which is why I have "considered" tivo. I just can't get past the price point. I had purchased two different HD tuners before using the DCT. They now both sit dormant in my house. For my $10/month I also get limitless upgrades (I'm on my 3rd upgraded box). Fortunately for me, I don't run into nearly as many problems as reported on the 6412 and 3412 threads. At this time, I consider the 3412/6412 the only game in town. HD PQ means everything to me. A dual tuner HD stb with a PVR only makes it better.

So is the Picture Quality any different on the 3412 than the 6412? Has anyone made the switch from 6412 to 3412? Were you happy with the change?

Thanks!


I just traded because my 6412 died. Overrall so-far picture quality on digital and HD is basically the same. The standard def is much better, but that has to do with ADS vs the box itself.

As for the tivo vs 64/3412 debate. I have both. Love my Tivo, but it cannot record HD. I definately would get a series 3 when they come out if the price is reasonable. The interface is better, plain and simple. Plus the much simpler ability to upgrade storage is a plus too. That said, the comcast 64/3412 does what I need it to do. It has it's issues. But also remember, the comcast DVR will also have the tivo interface coming also.

I just traded because my 6412 died. Overrall so-far picture quality on digital and HD is basically the same. The standard def is much better, but that has to do with ADS vs the box itself.

As for the tivo vs 64/3412 debate. I have both. Love my Tivo, but it cannot record HD. I definately would get a series 3 when they come out if the price is reasonable. The interface is better, plain and simple. Plus the much simpler ability to upgrade storage is a plus too. That said, the comcast 64/3412 does what I need it to do. It has it's issues. But also remember, the comcast DVR will also have the tivo interface coming also.

Yep, can't wait for that Tivo software upgrade for my 3412. I have a Tivo also, but I find myself recording more and more onto the 3412....even recorded SD looks better on the 3412 than the Tivo. I've kindof gotten used to the 3412 now, and I don't mind it that much, although it's certainly no Tivo.

Of course, the small Hard Drive is killing me.

I attempted to program a macro to toggle both TV and AUX power with one button push into the TV button of my "silver" remote, but must have done it wrong - Now the TV/Power key sequence only controls power on my AUX device.

All my attempts at restoring the normal function to the TV key have failed - even the "Reset to factory .." routine (DEV/Setup/994/Setup/DEVx2) given at:
http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cabl...412remoteAC.htm fails to do the job.

I can change the TV device code assigned to the key and control all TV functions except Power - which remains stuck to AUX.

Is there a way to just set the entire remote back to factory defaults (other than exchanging it for another one, i.e.)? :confused:

Help!

opus312 wrote: Just curious, have you ever used a DVR other than Comcast's? If not, you'd find it hard to believe just how primitive and unusable Comcast's DVR can appear to someone who's migrated from another service.

===================

No, but I'll take your word on it. I can tell by the way ex-tivoers rant and rave that Tivo is light years ahead of the DCTs - which is why I have "considered" tivo.

Actually, I've never used Tivo, only the Dish Network DVRs. The difference in performance is astonishing. I'm not talking about stuff like Series Manager or whatever, only the day-to-day use of the box and remote - the instantaneous response when hitting FF or Pause or Play, the smooth 300x FF speed, the ability to manually schedule recordings as far out as you want, etc, etc. Not sure whether I'd even like Tivo as much, but that's my only other option now...

Is there an easy way to determine the time elapsed or time left when watching a recorded program?

Is there an easy way to determine the time elapsed or time left when watching a recorded program?

Press PAUSE and you will see where you are and how much is left.

Press PAUSE and you will see where you are and how much is left.

Thanks!

Is there an easy way to determine the time elapsed or time left when watching a recorded program?

Actually just hit the play button, it does the same thing for you. and you don't have to lose time watching waiting for it to pause and unpause.

Actually just hit the play button, it does the same thing for you. and you don't have to lose time watching waiting for it to pause and unpause.

Thanks again! Is there a list somewhere of undocumented hot tips like this?

Does the 3412 have the ability to skip forward or back, maybe 30 seconds at a time or something like that?

Yep, can't wait for that Tivo software upgrade for my 3412. ....
Of course, the small Hard Drive is killing me.

Yes, given a choice I'd take a much larger drive or expansion via the SATA port over the TiVo upgrade.

Of course, I have a S1 TiVo already too.

Does the 3412 have the ability to skip forward or back, maybe 30 seconds at a time or something like that?
Your remote should have an ~15 sec. rewind button - the "curly" button to the left of the "My DVR" button. For other skip forward or back options see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412

Things that work on a 6412 also work on a 3412.

Does the 3412 have the ability to skip forward or back, maybe 30 seconds at a time or something like that?

Here are the two best macros for the 3412. One is for 30 second FF, the other is for "Box Mute", which is useful when you turn on your TV during a pre-programmed recording. You can use this function to un-mute the box. I use the FAV button, which is right next to the TV mute button. These are from an earlier post by someone else.

Scanpa is the expert on these STB's.

Q: How do I program the 30 second skip?
A:
1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button again blinks twice.
4. Hit (Do Not Hold) the "Setup" button
5. Enter in 00173 (for 30 second skip)
6. Press whatever button you want “30 Second skip? to be.

Q: How do I program a “Box Mute" button to un-mute the 6412?
A:
1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button again blinks twice.
4. Hit (Do Not Hold) the "Setup" button
5. Enter in 00141 (for Box Mute)
6. Press whatever button you want “Box Mute" to be.

Just curious, have you ever used a DVR other than Comcast's? If not, you'd find it hard to believe just how primitive and unusable Comcast's DVR can appear to someone who's migrated from another service. HD means nothing to me, compared to a DVR that works as it's supposed to.

Just to throw in my 2 cents here.

I have had very few to none of the problems listed here int his forum for the 6412. It just seems to work for me. I have many other things to spend my $1,000 on than another DVR that will give me incremental improvements on something that already works.

I have used the Microsoft XP Media Center Edition and as far as I am concerned the Comcast DVR is just as good. different, but just as good.

The kicker is that the Comcast DVR will continue to get better and I will be able to get free upgrades, new DVR's as they become available which I could never do if I purchased my own.

I guess if you need the best, fastest, most functional, system and HD is your first love and hobby then go to it. Purchase what you need. For most of us, I just don't see that as a viable solution.

I'm on my second 3412 (my 6412 died and they replaced it with a 3412). Both 3412s have an issue where if you switch from an HD program to an SD one, the program stutters until you change to another SD program.
When Comcast came to replace the box, the guy was saying how they had to replace these things all the time and that everyone hates them (I am a member of that group), and that while the stuttering problem should be gone (which it isn't), it will still have the problem of sluggish response times. He also said that he heard Comcast may be switching to a toshiba DVR since they were having so many complaints with the Motorola box. He didn't know anything about switching to Tivo, although he checked with someone else who said it was happening "sometime next year."

Cost isn't what keeps me here, it's my inability to use a satellite and the lack of an HD Tivo.

I'm on my second 3412 (my 6412 died and they replaced it with a 3412). Both 3412s have an issue where if you switch from an HD program to an SD one, the program stutters until you change to another SD program.
When Comcast came to replace the box, the guy was saying how they had to replace these things all the time and that everyone hates them (I am a member of that group), and that while the stuttering problem should be gone (which it isn't), it will still have the problem of sluggish response times. He also said that he heard Comcast may be switching to a toshiba DVR since they were having so many complaints with the Motorola box. He didn't know anything about switching to Tivo, although he checked with someone else who said it was happening "sometime next year."

Cost isn't what keeps me here, it's my inability to use a satellite and the lack of an HD Tivo.

Comcast is not moving to a TiVo DVR Box. Comcast will be using TiVo based DVR & Guide Software as a Upgraded service level for users of the Comcast Motorola DCT 6412 & 3412 STB. It will cost 14.95 per month instead of the 9.95 per month DVR Cost.

Also some areas that are being upgraded to OCAP Cable Middleware will be replacing there Motorola HD DVR STB for Panasonic HD DVR STB.

Samsung & Toshieba are going to make low end Digital Cable Boxes to replace the Motorola DCT 6200 HD & DCT 700 STB. (Non DVR)

Both of these events planned for late summer 2006.

I traded one of my 6412s in for a 3412.... seems fine to me...

By "fine" do you mean the same? Am I wasting my time having them deliver a 3412 to replace my 6412?

I just got the 3412 from Comcast today and I was wondering if anyone knows where to download the instruction manual. I can't figure out how to record two programs at the same time, which I read somewhere can be done.

I just got the 3412 from Comcast today and I was wondering if anyone knows where to download the instruction manual. I can't figure out how to record two programs at the same time, which I read somewhere can be done.

The Users Manual should have been included with the 3412. one is included in the box the DVR came in.

just select the show in the guide and press the record button.

I just got my 3412 from Comcast in Seattle today as well (no box, no manual) , after a LONG battle with Direct TV (who totally scammed me when I made the switch to HD...LONG story...I dumped them).

Anyway...imvho..the UI on the 3412 sure needs some work (compared to the DTV Tivo unit). Especially in the Series Manager..and especially when you want to DELETE shows in a series you dont' want to watch....but...that's another story.. I appreciate the info here on how to program the remote, etc...and, yes..I notice that it 'jumps' when switching channels.

anyway...I'll be picking up the Plasma this weekend...Any issues with the HDMI out?? I'll have to use an HDMI-DVI cable to connect it to my new Outlaw Audio 1070 (as the new TV only has one HDMI input), and the DVD player has HDMI as well.

more to come as I use it some more...
and I have to deal with Comcast again tomorrow, because the other two boxes they brought out for my other two SD sets (one bedroom, one downstairs), have no Optical audio out (or even S-video..let alone component out...) And they're all scratched to hell and back...

sigh...no rest for the weary :)

The Users Manual should have been included with the 3412. one is included in the box the DVR came in.

manual available onlline now.

http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/MicrosoftDVRGuideQ205.pdf


dave g
helldogmusic.com

Okay, so I've read through all 25 pages of this post... very informative.

I have a question I'm hoping someone who really knows what's going on can help with.

I've had a 6412ph3 for a while, it works fine (it's no Tivo but that's another thread). Recently I decided to purchase a HDTV. Recalling that there was an additional charge for HD signals (or something to that effect) I called Comcast and told them what I was going to do and wanted to make sure I was ready to receive HD. I specifically told them I wanted to use HDMI. They told me the only way I could use HDMI was to change to a 3412 and they would waive the charge for me.

Well, after I hooked up my new HDTV to my 6412, I realized I was already getting an HD picture over component, so I tried HDMI.. and sure enough it works fine. My area is already doing digital simulcast and my 1-100 channels are already coming in digital, so WHY would Comcast want me to change to a 3412 box??

The only issue I've encountered is a "stuttering" of the live picture from any of the 1-100 channels over HDMI. It's not there when viewing over component, only over HDMI. Could this be why they want me to change??

I'm reluctant to part with something that works (albeit, poorly) so I'm thinking I'm going to tell the "tech" that I want to hold onto the 6412 and use it elsewhere in the house just in case the 3412 has issues.

Any idea if there is a significant reason why I'd need to change? I guess I'll check the stutturing issue on the 3412 when it's hooked up and post a follow up, but I'm skeptical, especially now that I see the 3412 costs less than the 6412.

John

Thanks for the info. My unit came with no bow and no instructions. Oh well.

I've had a 6412ph3 for a while, it works fine...
I'd cancel the service request, since they are going to charge you $16-32 to bring the new box out.

If your 6412 does what you want, there is no reason to change a thing. Especially since you run the risk of getting a box somebody else's defective return. Read back a couple pages and you should find some info on the studdering problem.

Wonder why they waste the valuable front panel display showing PLA when you're playing back a DVR program. Why not show elapsed time, or time remaining, or anything more useful than PLA?

Wonder why they waste the valuable front panel display showing PLA when you're playing back a DVR program. Why not show elapsed time, or time remaining, or anything more useful than PLA?

Do you have your front panel normally display the current channel or the current time? Mine is set to current time, and when I am playing something, still shows the current time, except for directly after I hit the play button. No DVR that I know of uses a front panel for display, since it's all on the TV. Just hit the play button during playback for the time in/left info.

Do you have your front panel normally display the current channel or the current time? Mine is set to current time, and when I am playing something, still shows the current time, except for directly after I hit the play button. No DVR that I know of uses a front panel for display, since it's all on the TV. Just hit the play button during playback for the time in/left info.
I also display the time, but I believe there is a scenario where Rec or Pla will stay in the display...
When you have both tuners recording at the same time (or if you are watching the show you are recording), Rec displays. Then, if you watch a previously recorded show, with the 2 tuners recording, Pla will display.

I also display the time, but I believe there is a scenario where Rec or Pla will stay in the display...
When you have both tuners recording at the same time (or if you are watching the show you are recording), Rec displays. Then, if you watch a previously recorded show, with the 2 tuners recording, Pla will display.

True, I didn't necissarily think of those situations. I rarely have 2 tuners recording and am watching a 3rd thing.

Do you have your front panel normally display the current channel or the current time? Mine is set to current time, and when I am playing something, still shows the current time, except for directly after I hit the play button. No DVR that I know of uses a front panel for display, since it's all on the TV. Just hit the play button during playback for the time in/left info.

Mine is set for time, but still shows PLA, even with nothing recording. Why force the user to hit the Play button to see the elapsed time (and put up that annoying bar), when they could show it on the front panel just like VCRs always did?

I didn't read every post on all these pages, so I need to ask: I just hooked up a 3412 today, everything works fine, except the unit randomly resets, turning off, going blank, then turns back on showing 8888, then of course to channel 8. This has happened appoximately 8 times over the past 4 hours. I contacted Comcast; they told me that this is normal; it is resetting due to downloading all the info. Is this normal?

thanks.

I didn't read every post on all these pages, so I need to ask: I just hooked up a 3412 today, everything works fine, except the unit randomly resets, turning off, going blank, then turns back on showing 8888, then of course to channel 8. This has happened appoximately 8 times over the past 4 hours. I contacted Comcast; they told me that this is normal; it is resetting due to downloading all the info. Is this normal?

thanks.

My 6412 does it too and loses all the guide info and then it may not record the program if it doesn't redownload all the info in time. I think the box is garbage; I'd tell them I want a new one. I want to get a new one too but my drive is full of things I haven't watched yet.

My 6412 does it too and loses all the guide info and then it may not record the program if it doesn't redownload all the info in time. I think the box is garbage; I'd tell them I want a new one. I want to get a new one too but my drive is full of things I haven't watched yet.

Often a big problem in replacing a DVR box. Probably means that way more would be replaced, if it wasn't for losing those recordings...

I didn't read every post on all these pages, so I need to ask: I just hooked up a 3412 today, everything works fine, except the unit randomly resets, turning off, going blank, then turns back on showing 8888, then of course to channel 8. This has happened appoximately 8 times over the past 4 hours. I contacted Comcast; they told me that this is normal; it is resetting due to downloading all the info. Is this normal?

thanks.

For the first 24 hours, I would say so. If it's the very first time, then it'll probably reset several times. Once it's been up and running for a couple days, a power outage or pulling the plug will of course loose your guide data, but it'll come back quicker.

When mine resets now, it takes <10 min to get channel names, <30 min to get current program info and a couple hours ahead. After one overnight, it'll have the full 2 weeks of info in the guide.

But I remember the very first time, it was doing all sorts of wacky things, some channels were wrong and i was "not authorized" to watch NBC! Best thing to do(if you can) is just turn the box off and let it do it's thing.

But if it's still resetting after a day, then i'd say that is a problem.

Well, I returned my 3412 for another one today. Coincidentally, when I entered my local Comcast office, there were a few folks ahead of me. The guy next in front of me was returning a 3412, also with the identical problem. I did notice, before returning it, that it was a reconditioned one. It had a bunch of scratches on the top and a Do Not Tamper sticker on the side, so it had been opened. So much for tech service. The replacement 3412 is new. Working fine after 3+ hours.

The replacement 3412 is new. Working fine after 3+ hours.

Does that mean it's actually responsive to the remote, with no delay?

...I just hooked up a 3412 today, everything works fine, except the unit randomly resets...

Mine locked up again today, but instead of giving the cryptic message first it just froze - with the remote LED on the panel full on. Only a power cycle reset it.

I've had this before - I swear it is caused by too fast button pushing on the remote - it seems that what caused this one, a press didn't seem to respond so I tried again immediately after and it froze.

...but it'll come back quicker.

When mine resets now, it takes <10 min to get channel names, <30 min to get current program info and a couple hours ahead. After one overnight, it'll have the full 2 weeks of info in the guide...

Overnight is 'quicker'? Can it come in any slower? How much data are there anyway?

Overnight is 'quicker'? Can it come in any slower? How much data are there anyway?
The channel and guide information is a multicast that is simply sent every once in awhile. The box just has to sit and wait and listen until the data it needs is transmitted. It is not like a computer where it contacts something and asks for it to be sent immediately (that is somewhat limited to stuff like firmware/software updates, and most often only when pushed by the head end.)

The full 2-week guide data is only sent about 2-3 times a day.

Yes the 30 sec. skip works on this STB.

You have 30-second skip on the 3412? How does that work? According to Comcast, it doesn't have that feature. ?

Thanks!

You have 30-second skip on the 3412? How does that work? According to Comcast, it doesn't have that feature. ?

Thanks!

Opus312,

I hate to tell you but the comcast person you spoke to is misinformed.

All Of the Moto DCT 6208, 64xx, 34xx series of DVR STB have the built in 30 sec skip feature. However it can be disabled via the Headend. On all 3 of my STB it works fine.

How To Add 30-Second Skip
The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the 30-second skip command. Current versions of the iGuide DVR software will skip forward 30 seconds into a recording when this command is sent. The '15-second back' button can be a good choice, since PgDn already provides that functionality. Another good option is to reprogram the 'A'/'Lock' button if you don't need that function; you can feel both buttons with one finger and move between them without looking.

Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Type in the code 00173.
Press whatever button you want to map the 30-second skip command to (ex: A / Lock). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.
Note: This does not work on boxes with the Microsoft TV Foundation Interface (currently Washington State). As of Firmware version 12.22 Insight Cable has disabled this feature.

Note: This does not work on boxes with the Microsoft TV Foundation Interface (currently Washington State). As of Firmware version 12.22 Insight Cable has disabled this feature.

Ahhh, that explains it. Of course I'd be in WA. See, I just knew I shoulda stayed back east. Sigh.

No way around this? The programming seems to work, blinks twice at the end, but the assigned button doesn't do anything when pressed.

Between this and the delays when going from play to FF and back, and the other aggravations, the thing is borderline unusable. Truly primitive when compared to the Dish Network DVR I've used for the past few years. Guess it's time to try Tivo? (No access to Dish at my new location)

Ahhh, that explains it. Of course I'd be in WA. See, I just knew I shoulda stayed back east. Sigh.

Look on the bright side:

1. You can edit the channels that are displayed in your guide and accessed during channel surfing.

2. You get to live in a beautiful part of the country.

I wouldn't trade those for anything east of Spokane.

Look on the bright side: 1. You can edit the channels that are displayed in your guide and accessed during channel surfing. 2. You get to live in a beautiful part of the country. I wouldn't trade those for anything east of Spokane.

:)

But I'd trade the damn Comcast DVR in a second!

The only issue I've encountered is a "stuttering" of the live picture from any of the 1-100 channels over HDMI. It's not there when viewing over component, only over HDMI. Could this be why they want me to change??

FWIW, I have a 3412 and have a stuttering of RECORDED SD shows once in a while.
At first it really bugged me, but I figured out that this was only happening if I had left one or both of the tuners set to an HD channel while watching the recorded program.

Looks like perhaps writing the HD signal to the circular buffer is taking up too much processor time?

G

On the 3412. if I turn off the box, the switched outlet is not powered off. Also, this box works much different than the plain digital one I had from Comcast. With that box, when I turned off the box, and then powered it back up, it defaulted to Channel 8, Comcast home. On the 3412. After turning it off , then next time it's powered up, the station I had on before I turned it off is still on. ?????

On the 3412. if I turn off the box, the switched outlet is not powered off. Also, this box works much different than the plain digital one I had from Comcast. With that box, when I turned off the box, and then powered it back up, it defaulted to Channel 8, Comcast home. On the 3412. After turning it off , then next time it's powered up, the station I had on before I turned it off is still on. ?????

The rear power jack canbe set to switched and unswitched in the STB Setup menu that can be accessed in the Main Menu

Only Tuner 1 defaults to Ch 8, the 2nd. Tuner will stay on the selected ch...

This will be changed in the New Version of IGUIDE due out later this year.